Monday, May 21, 2012

You Can Lead A Patient To Water, But You Can't Make Her Drink!


This has been a very mentally exhausting day.  This morning I could not get a blood pressure reading on Mom. She was conscious but not relating to me in any way.  Scared?  you betcha!  Thank God that Jeff, the Physical Therapist came early today.  I was still trying to get vitals when he arrived.  He also tried and could not get a blood pressure either and the pulse was very weak and erratic. I told him that I had been having trouble the last two days getting Mom to drink fluids, especially water.  He pinched her skin and it just stood there - yep, she was dehydrated.  (I just made Jeff a doctor, lol).  Anyway, we started trying to force fluids.  He told me that I was giving her to much orange juice because this would give her diarrhea (didn't know that).  He suggested Gatorade and caffeine free Coke, of which I had neither.  We thought we were going to have to take her to the hospital for an IV bolus of fluids but I begged them to let me try forcing fluids here (since I now know the problem).  Shayla, our aide came and definitely noticed the change in Mom and called the office.  They gave me one hour to turn her around or we were to call the Emergency Squad and go to the ER.  Shayla, Jack, Wilma and I were really working on getting her to drink through a straw.  Polly Lasher and Bev Kramer furnished the Gatorade and Wilma went in search of those little sponge things on a stick to put in Gatorade and put in her mouth and some caffeine free Coke.  Within the hour, we got what was a non-registering blood pressure to a meek 85/60 early on and at the end of the hour, I am so pleased to say we got a blood pressure reading of 121/92 and a strong pulse of 71.

This team work was A+ today.  Thanks Lord for letting us put our best foot forward and getting the job done.

Yesterday was a good day.  Kristi Ryan, our hairdresser came to the house and gave Mom a hair cut and me a color and hair cut.  I now have my "little boy haircut" for the summer.  I just can't take messing with longer hair and taking care of Mom in the heat.  I may look like Mrs. Hickman's little boy (well, except for those darn boobs) but I'm just still plain ole simple me.

Praying for a better tomorrow.  (Hey, did you notice this post was from me?????)

Hello World!!  I am excitedly working on my Blog!

My High School Chums

Well, "Sleeping Beauty" is still sound asleep. 

 

Last evening, I had my first outing.  My high school chums, Nila Means May and Sherry Slaughter and I went to dinner at the FOP.  She comes from her home base in 

Fresno,CA to this area once a year and we always get together for dinner and it is amazing. For those of you that don't know, Sherry has been with Campus Crusade for Christ since graduating from Marshall University (we will forgive her the Marshall part of her life, not everyone can be a WVU girl, lol).  Nila is to humble to admit it but she runs the engineering office, the guys just think they do.

Amazing to see how the Lord has worked in these wonderful ladies lives.  It is so nice to see how over the years our lives have taken different twists and turns but when we return for that one night dinner together each year, we are still those three high school girls that the Lord has blessed so much.  I have learned so much from these two ladies.

 

Jack and Wilma stayed with Mom so that I could go to dinner and I can't thank them enough.  Wilma got Mom to eat more than she has eaten in a while and of course Mom loves her "golden boy"(Jack) and his presence always brings a smile to her face.  Gave mom her pills when I came home and she went to sleep within an hour and is still sleeping.  Jack said she never did nap while they were here.  I guess she was afraid she might miss something.  She watched the Preakness as she still loves horses.  Hey, the little jockey in lilac won the race again.  Something about that color purple/lilac is a winner.  See, if I were a betting person, I could be rich today!

 

My nephew Tommy took over my computer (from his home in Akron, OH) and did some updates on it.  It amazes me how he can do that.  He is one terrific young man with a wealth of knowledge and tries to keep his old aunt updated on the "techie stuff".  Christie, Tommy's Mom is under the weather this weekend and we hope she is feeling better this morning. 

 

Everyone have a blessed day and get out there and enjoy the sunshine with your families.  vada

Good morning everyone.  It sure is a beautiful day out there.  Mom is just now beginning to stir.  She slept from early evening until around 3 a.m. and then was awake from then until about 7:45 a.m. when she went back to sleep.

 

She is eating much better.  That baby food trick is working and she also loves lemon pudding.  So far Strawberry Cream is her favorite BOOST drink.

 

Shayla came yesterday and gave Mom her bath and we had a lovely visit.  Polly Lasher and Bev Kramer both came while she was here and we discussed how we all feel that Shayla will make a great nurse.  She has wanted to be a nurse since she was small and is looking into pursuing this idea. 

 

Jack came last evening while Wilma went to her VFW meeting and we had a great time talking about the "good ole days".  I love walking down memory lane with him.

 

Everyone get outside and enjoy the day.  vada

Hey I am an offical blogger now - well I'm just getting started as my niece  Christie surprised me with it yesterday. She used the title from one of my posts and I am so proud. She also used my favorite colors and has done a wonderful job with links on the right side to her blog and also one to Toni's blog. Now I have to learn how to turn my emails into this blog but this is soooo exciting. You know I really think that I am a frustrated writer. Or maybe a career counselor. This little girl who comes to bathe Mom has decided to further her education and either go to LPN or RN school. She has to work also because she is a single mother (2 year old Katie). I have been talking to her about this and have been looking schools up online for her, etc. Today when she comes Bev is coming over to talk to her about what types of schooling is available, grants, etc. I am so excited for her. Hey, I may be old but there are things that still get my heart started.

 

Pastor Larry came to visit us yesterday afternoon.  I just love that man.  He is doing such a wonderful job serving our Lord.  It was so nice to be able to talk to him yesterday and we had a great visit.  I am so blessed with such wonderful people surrounding me.  My church family means so much to me.

 

My new blog: http://hickmanhospitalgazette.blogspot.com

Just click on the purple link above and it will take you right to it. I feel like a new mother who just gave birth. lol   Thank you, Thank you Christie for all your hard work and giving me this wonderful gift.  I love my blog.  Now I have to learn how to be the author of it.

 

Well, my night of expermentation did not last long.  The nurse had told me try not giving Mom an Ativan one night to see how she did. After Jack and Wilma left last night she was sound asleep for maybe a half an hour and THEN she started talking and within the hour she was yelling and then started to scream.  I couldn't take it so I gave her her pill and she finally went to sleep within 2 hours and has slept pretty well last night, fitfully towards morning but is still sleeping.

 

My friend Sherry arrived in WV last night from CA and she, Nila and I are going out to the FOP for dinner tomorrow night.  I am so excited, get to catch up on all the girl talk just like when we were in high school.

Jack and Wilma are staying with Mom while I do dinner.  Jack and Sherry's dad worked together at G. C. Murphy's for years. 

 

Remember there are people out there needing our prayers. 

 

Everyone have a super-duper weekend.  I think it is going to be a beautiful, hot one.  ENJOY!

Well that big day has come and gone!  Mom got her splint and sling removed yesterday.  He told me not to use the sling as there is a little place on the end of her elbow which looks like an infection spot that is trying to pop through and a sling would rub it.  Have to keep a careful eye on that spot because if that happens then we have to go back to surgery. 

 

Jack and I made the trip in the van with her and Wilma met us at Dr. Waxman's office.  Mom did quite well except somewhere in the trip she scraped her knee but took care of that when we got home.  Kenny, the van driver was very nice to us and he sure was appreciated.  $38. for round trip; sure beats $650 from JanCare transport van.  We don't have to go back to Dr. Waxman only on as an as-needed basis.  His nurse said not until I needed my knee replacement.  This turned out to be not a joke, as last night my left knee hurt so bad I had to hold on to things to walk.  I bathed in Ben Gay and took an Advil.  Is some better today.  Darn, getting old really isn't for sissies!

 

Jeff, PT got Mom to walk 10 feet yesterday (her legs moved 10 feet; he is practically carrying her body and I'm bringing up the rear and pushing wheelchair with my knees.

 

Mom was exhausted after her big outing so she immediately went to sleep but only slept for maybe 30 minutes, woke up and she was famished.  I got her to eat a jar of ham, pineapple baby food, whole jar of peaches, banana cream pudding and a whole bottle of Boost along with some water.  Best she has eaten in a long time.

 

Sleeping is still the problem.  She yelled way into the night and is now sleeping.  Wish we could get the nights and days straighted out.  (God, I'm not complaining, I'm thankful for the things that are going right).

 

Thanks to Jack and Wilma who were with Mom and I every step of the way yesterday.  Thank all of you for your prayers.  Keep all of those in need in your prayers today.

Praise God that Nila's test results came back negative. 

 

Looks like a beautiful day out there.  vada 

Today is D-Day or should I say C-Day, as we go to see Dr. Waxman today  at 3:45 p.m. for the cast removal.  Hooray!  I just feel that Mom will do so much better once she gets that heavy thing off her arm.  She is in her bed chattering like she has been most of the night.  I think she is "somewhat sleeping" but still talking at the same time.  Eyes are shut but she is still talking.

 

Simply amazing what a little sleep will do for you.  Since I didn't sleep Monday night and felt pretty worse for the wear because my left shoulder was really hurting and my old arthritic knees were giving me trouble, I broke over and took 2 Aleve.  My endocrinologist does not want me taking these because he is afraid my stomach will start bleeding but told me that once in a while when the pain is so bad I could get by with taking a couple and then them alone for a while.  Well, last night was Aleve night and Mom was still carrying on at about midnight so I took them and really did get a few hours sleep.  Wow, I feel like a new woman!!!

 

The RN was here yesterday and said that Mom now has her days and nights mixed up which is part of the disease.  She said I should try to keep her awake.  Yeah, right!  It does not work.  No matter what I tried she was determined to sleep, so finally around noon, I just gave in and took a nap with her (about an hour).

 

Polly Lasher came while the nurse was here.  She is so amazing, 93 years old and is very spry and always has me laughing.  Karen, the RN was well entertained by her. 

 

Today, Jeff from PT will be here this morning and also Shayla the aide prior to noon.  Talked with Ken the driver from Mt. State and he will be here around 3pm to pick up Mom and Jack and I are both allowed to ride with her.  Wish us well!

 

Great news:  My nameless friend who has been in the hospital having multiple tests received news that her temporal biopsies came back negative.  Praise God!  Her temperataure is now back to normal and the team of doctors still have no idea what caused this but is sending her home.  Maybe it was something viral (that's Dr.Coonley's opinion  ).  I am so thankful for the negative biopsies.  We serve a great God, don't we?  Please add Bill Mason (Rosemary Toryak's brother in law) to your prayers, as he was just sent home from the hospital (heart) because they can do no more, but we know our Lord can.

 

Everyone have a wonderful day!  vada

The presses are running late today.  Or is it the idiot who is pressing the keys is running late?  I think it is the latter. 

 

Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day.  Mom had visitors but slept through most of them.  I could not keep her awake no matter how hard I tried.  She got several beautiful flowers and gorgeous cards.  Today, she received a card from Randy, Toni and Julia which included a picture of our gorgeous Miss Julia. 

 

I am afraid that Mom is getting her days and nights mixed up and the girl who was here from Home Health said it is part of the disease and nothing I can do to change it.  She was up from midnight on last night yelling out names.  Then suddenly at 8:00 a.m. she went to sleep and has slept most of the day.  This made it very hard on us working with her with physical therapy.  She chooses to keep her eyes closed alot.

Jeff and I did get her to walk with her cane from her bed to the front door but mainly it was Jeff maintaining most of her weight on his body and me holding her by her pants and pushing the wheelchair behind her so she would not fall.  But she was doing the work of putting her feet one in front of the other which is new to her.  She has a constant problem of wanting to cross her feet but Jeff took care of that by putting his foot and leg between her feet and she actually took steps.

He took her to the front door to see the beautiful plant that Jack got her that is hanging on the front porch.

 

Ada heard somewhere that a speech therapist is sometimes used to help a person learn to chew again, so we asked Shayla if it was possible to get a speech therapist and she was going back to check with Cindy, her boss to see if we can do this and she also said that she felt I needed more help and is checking to see if she can come bathe her 3 times a week instead of 2,because I bathe Mom on the days Shayla does not come.  Somehow this weekend I pulled my left arm lifting Mom and Jeff (physical therapist) said it is the rotator cuff and wants me to start icing it.  I have been using Ben Gay, I love Ben Gay.

Don't have time for a rotator cuff problem now.

 

Ada had a dentist appointment  and came here afterwards to stay with Mom so I could run up to the bank and back to Krogers to get a couple of things I forgot earlier.  I also stopped and got Mom and I Starbucks.

Mom drank a little so far, but not much.  Will try more later.

 

Talked to my friend Sherry Slaughter (from CA) who is in Bilouxi, Miss.

visitng her parents who are also in their 90's and she  will be coming in here the end of the week.  I can't wait to see her.  Sherry does marvelous work for Campus Crusade for Christ and has been since she graduated from Marshall University.  Wow, where has the time gone?

 

Got to go see if I can get Mom to eat.  later vada

Happy Mother's Day to my special Mom and all the other mothers out there. 

 

My mom is still sleeping since she spent most of the time from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. loud talking.  I think she finally wore herself out. Nothing much new to report.  Yesterday, she decided she would not eat.  She did drink some Boost for me.  Polly Lasher came to bring her a vase of peonies and she would eat for her - a jar of chicken and veggies baby food and lemon pudding.  Later on, she did eat some ice cream for me.

 

We listened to K-Love on the radio much of the day as I was thinking that might calm her but sometimes nothing works.  Did lots more laundry yesterday.  Please God, let the washer and dryer hold up, as they are the 2 most used objects in our house right now.

 

Yesterday, my sugar went to 65 again in the evening.  I hadn't eaten enough.  I hate when it happens because afterwards I feel so jittery and worthless.  I guess I was so busy I just forgot to eat.  Wow, and for someone who loves food like me, that is weird.

 

Everyone have a wonderful Mother's Day.  Love you, vada and Grandma 

Where is Time Going?

It's Saturday again.  Where is the time going?  Seems like mine is spent doing countless laundry and cleaning a butt.  Hey, my mom did her share of that taking care of me.

 

She is still sleeping right now.  She slept good until 3 a.m. when she started loud talking and that didn't end until about 7:30 a.m. when she finally wore herself out. 

 

Ada came yesterday evening so that I could go pick up my asthma medicine and get more baby food for Mom.  When I returned from my trip to the "outside world", Mom was sitting up on the side of her bed dangling her feet.  Her therapist would be so proud of her.  It is a shame she won't do that while he is here.

 

About 2 a.m. I had this craving for coffee ice cream and wanted to do a little research on my trusty computer for a dear friend (just like a sister) who is in the hospital and they can't find out what is causing the problem after numerous tests.  She asked to me put my "doctor hat" on so I got up to do some reading.  Of course, ice cream always helps me to think better (hey, any excuse will do).  Well, either I got the "help, I fell and can't get up" necklace caught on the freezer door or the cat said on the main device in the corner of the living room, because low and behold, this loud signal went off and suddenly this man's voice said,

"Margaret, are you alright?"  I apologized immensely for causing the thing to go off, but he was very sweet and said, "hey, at least we know the device works".  My mother slept through the whole thing.  See, I knew I couldn't be trusted with "techy things". 

 

Mom had a pretty good day yesterday if you don't count the 24/7 talking, ramblng (which is part of the disease).  Hoping things continue to get better.

 

Please pray with me for my friend who is in the hospital and wishes to remain nameless at this time.  They are doing a biopsy at noon today on her.  God, give the doctors guidance in determining her problem.

 

Everyone, enjoy your Saturday.  vada

When I was a Paid Worker

I can remember when I was a "paid worker" that I was always so excited to see Friday come.  It meant the weekend is coming and I don't have to go to work.  Hooray!!!  Now that I am on call 24/7 which day will I pick out of the week to look forward to?  I will have to mull that over in my mind.

 

Mom slept very fitfully last night.  Can't understand it.  Believe me after

"the Poop Train" went through our house she sure should have felt better.  For a lady who eats very little she can sure produce a lot.  I guess those strained baby food prunes did the job that Milk of Mag and Mirilax could not do or maybe the combination of all 3 finally worked together.  Well, I'm sure you are sick of this subject.

 

Yesterday was such a busy day here.  The whole Home Health team was here at different times of the day.  I am learning so much from Shayla, the aide.  Then Karen the nurse came and said Mom's lungs were very clear and she had active bowel sounds so beware for the evening.  She said I was doing a very good job with Mom. (made me feel good).  Then Jeff the Physical Therapist came.  I feel sorry for him because he always feels that he is not accomplishing enough with mom.  He did get her up on the side of the bed sitting yesterday with him holding her and tried to get her to move her feet sitting there but she would have none of that.  Then together we got her up in the wheelchair and then back to bed.

 

Randy, my next door neighbor was outside cutting my grass last evening and I went out to pay him.  Mom was lying in her bed flat when I went out the front door.  I was not out there that long and when I came back in, here sits Mom who had pulled herself up from a prone position, sitting on the side of the bed with her elbows on the over the bed table and she was swinging her feet just like Jeff had asked her to

4 hours previously.  I can't wait to tell Jeff on Monday that he is getting results, just 4 hours later.  I will be working with her on her exercises until he returns on Monday especially since no one will be coming today to work with her.

 

Jack and Wilma came twice yesterday to help me pull Mom back up in bed.  It is so much easier when there is a person on each side. 

 

Hey Richard, remember the dollar bill you gave Mom on Easter Sunday?  Yesterday, she was lying in bed in the afternoon and looked over at me and said, "hey, where is my dollar bill?" so I went and got it and gave it to her.  Can you believe she remembered that she had it?

Amazing

 

Everyone have a great weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day. I am sure going to enjoy the company of my Mom this Mother's Day.  Special prayers going out for Delene today who gets the results of her cancer count. 

 

vada

Greetings from the Hickman Hospital

Greetings from the Hickman Hospital!!!  Just for kicks I figured up my bed occupancy rate and average daily census (gee, it was so hard) just like I used to do at the good ole VA Medical Center.  Now figuring up the pay scale for employees was easy - "0" equals "0".  Patient satisfaction survey -- "Priceless".  OK enough of the VA hospitaleze jargon.  Can you tell I am in a good mood????

Well, the constipation battle was over at 10pm last night for now but I think we will have a constant battle with this.  Thank God for baby food strained prunes.  Mom slept very well last night until 3 a.m. when she began yelling and then quieted down to talking until after 6 a.m.  She then went back to sleep and is still sleeping.

The nurse's aide came yesterday, a sweet little girl by the name of Shayla from Galloway.  She taught me some tricks like how to make the bed with new sheets with Mom still in the bed.  I can learn a lot from this little girl. 

Polly Lasher came up and brought Mom's yesterday afternoon and we had the nicest talk.  She is one of the most devout Christian ladies I know. 

Kramer called and checked on us and came over to help put Mom to bed.  Jack came after Mom had gone to bed to visit and she immediately became alert for him but then went back into her rambling talking.  Dementia is such a sad disease.  Before he left, he helped me straighten her back up in bed. 

Toni, my niece from hot, sunny LA called last night and we had the nicest talk.  Miss Julia has been the only one in her class chosen to write and recite a poem in front of a group of people, I forget who they are but it is quite an honor.  Also, Randy has been assigned another show, this one a sports show with someone who is very important in the sports world but Toni could not remember who.  I wish it were Terry Bradshaw.  Would love to have an autographed picture of him.  He is my football hero.  Hey, a girl can dream!  Toni, along with Christie

(my niece from Akron) both think that I should start a blog about the role of the caretaker for a dementia patient.  Mulling this over in my mind and think I want to do it.  Wish I could think of a catchy title - anyone have any suggestions?????  Fire away - hey, I love to get email.

Hey Toni began writing her blog again yesterday.  Give it a lookie lou!

www.mammakaze.com.  She is such a good writer and always gives me a laugh or two and on some of her topics makes me think. If you are new to her blog, go back and look at the archives when Randy, her husband was bitten by the rattlesnake.  Interesting stuff.

Well, I think the Lord is blessing us with sunshine today.  Everyone have a good day.  Please don't forget to pray for all those who are fighting a battle today.  I know my niece Suzie who is battling liver cancer is having a particular tough time today and I'm sure there are many others.  Keep your chin up, everyone! vada

Happy Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, another rainy day it looks like.  Yesterday was election day.  Congratulations to all the winners!  Jack and Wilma worked the polls yesterday keeping all those voters on the straight and narrow.  I imagine they had a very long, tiring day.  Susan Thomas and her employees do a wonderful job getting the election set up and all those votes counted.

 

Mom slept well last night.  We are awaiting the nurse aide to come and bathe her.  I always have it done by this time but the aide says she is supposed to come twice a week, so I am playing by her schedule.

 

Ada came over last night after getting a perm and I made a quick run to Walmart for a forehead thermometer reader, as now Mom won't keep a thermometer in her mouth and then went to Kroger's for more Boost and baby food.  Am trying that since she won't eat meat any more.  Also, got some baby food veggies and fruits.  Ada said that Mom called my name out a couple of times while I was gone but other than that did well. 

 

The nurse came yesterday and checked her.  We are having a constipation problem because of her lack of eating, so I got some strained prunes and will try them today.  Otherwise, the nurse will have her work cut out for her - enema time if a couple of tricks she gave me don't work. 

 

Bob Billingsley came over yesterday afternoon to show me about the lift, as he has one for his mom.  I had never mentioned to mom that he was coming and when he walked in the door, she looked at him and said, "hey Bob, how are you?  I haven't seen you in a long time.  I about fell over.  Bob says he has that affect on women.  Please pray for Bob, he has finished his radiation and chemo but I noticed yesterday  that he was wheezing while he was here and has a  constant cough.  He says he now has dry mouth constantly.  When he left here he was going to the personal care home to feed his mom and his plans are to return her to her home with him by the end of the year,  after he gets his strength back. 

Hope everyone has a great day.  Please keep in prayer all my buddies I have mentioned in previous emails.  Haven't heard how Rhonda McCord's mom is doing after gamma knife surgery.  Will keep you informed when I hear.  vada

Starbucks Delivers

Primary election day is here.  I think this is the first election that I can remember that I didn't vote or do an absentee.  It didn't even occur to me to do that this time.  Oh well, in the fall you better believe I will go.  Jack and Wilma are both working the election and will be in for a long day.

 

I know that you have all heard of "Meals on Wheels" but I bet you didn't know that Starbucks had a delivery service.  Well for some people they do!  My great friend Nila Means May (we have been friends since high school - gee that was only what 5 years ago - yeah sure! - delivered Mom and I Starbucks Vanilla Frapps yesterday morning on her way to work.  My Mom may not like eating food much anymore, but she sure did devour hers in a hurry.  Nila, you are a jewel and not just because of the Starbucks delivery! (She is also the lady who came to the hospital several times and had Mom laughing so and gave her "Manilla" the baby doll).  I will never forget you for the way you have with my Mom and know just when to say the right thing.

 

Jeff, the Physical Therapist came yesterday. This was the first time we had seen him and he said that he would be seeing my Mom one day a week and Micah would see her the other day.  I told him I had nothing against Micah and that she did a fine job but my Mom will not work or trust a woman like she will a man, so God Bless Him, he texted Micah and switched patients with her and he will now see Mom twice a week.

He was disappointed that he could not get Mom to cooperate much with him yesterday.  I don't know if it was the pain pill I gave her prior to his arrival or if it is just the progression of the disease.  He got her out of bed and into a wheelchair with my help but Mom did not help at all and mostly Jeff did all the work.  I asked him for some leg exercises that I could work with her on when he is not here, so Mom and I will start those today.

 

The nurse aid called yesterday after 11 a.m. and wanted to come in the afternoon to give Mom her bath.  I explained that she had already had her bath.  I do that first thing every morning.  Asked her to come today but she said she couldn't so the plan is for her to come Wednesday afternoon.  I won't do a complete bath on the days she is coming and the RN told me I am to get away and go out on the deck and take some deep breaths and get away from the situation.  You know me, I probably won't do that, want to make sure she isn't hurting MY MOM.

Well, maybe after I get to know her better.  I know - I need to learn to TRUST.

 

Mom did eat a little better yesterday.  Smashed up carrots were added to the menu.  Bev Kramer's sister Sherry had the best idea, get jars of baby food - so when I get to the store will be getting some baby meat dishes with veggies.  I am already giving her applesauce, um, maybe baby peaches might be good also.  Bev is great, she comes over every evening and helps me pull Mom up in bed and get her ready for the night.  I am such a blessed girl to have such wonderful family and friends surrounding me. 

 

IMPORTANT FACT:  My mom looked up at me when I gave her the nighttime pills last night and smiled and said, "I love you Vada".  I was just paid a million time over for taking care of her.  Wow, it was a great day.

 

My sugar took another tumble yesterday (57) just after the physical therapist was here.  Today, I am starting eating something every 2 hrs, even if it is toast to maintain my blood sugar.  I know I will be no good to Mom unless I'm in top form myself (yes, I have been listening to your

calls and emails).  OK, a new me emerges today. 

 

I bet you are sorry you signed up for this email and my ramblings, huh?

You don't know how therapeutic it is for me to share my day with you.

Feel free to tune me out at anytime.

 

Please help me by praying for all those I have mentioned in previous emails who are fighting a tough battle.  Carol, Christie's sister is really on my mind and heart today.  Also, my dear friend and sister in Christ, Lynda who is on a waiting list for an apartment in Beckley.  Lynda took care of her sweet mother my herself for years until she passed away recently.   I think that Prayer Warrior is my calling and is the only thing I can do at this point, as I can no longer go to church.  Thank you again Jonna for the great devotional book.  I feel each day that is was written just for me.

 

Love to you all.  Vada

Running late today

Running late today.  I'm not fond of Mondays and never have been much of a morning person to begin with.  My sugar went very low yesterday evening and I HAD to eat Starbucks coffee ice cream to bring it back to normal.  That was such a chore (yeah, right).  I do hate when I get the sugar lows because I get so jittery.  Now today, I'm just scatterbrained but then some people would say I am that way on most days.

 

Yesterday, Mom napped a lot during the day.  Ada came over after church so I made a run to Krogers.  Got Mom some strawberry flavored Boost for protein and she likes it.  Came home to find Chocolate Boost from Rosemary Toryak had arrived while I was gone.

 

Yesterday, she ate puddings, ice cream, jello.  Today, I am concentrating on getting her to eat food.  She is smiling a lot today and even helped me to get her gown on her.  I notice that she is watching the TV more.

 

Ran into Rhonda McCord, cashier from Krogers.  She is also the only caretaker for her mother.  I had seen her last week at UHC where her mother had been admitted for a seizure.  Her mother is battling breast cancer.  Rhonda was there getting groceries and told me that she may have to quit work to take care of her Mom full time.  Dorothy, her mother, retired from 42 years at the Court House in the Probate Office is having gamma knife surgery Tuesday to the place on the outside of her brain at Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at WVU.  Please pray for her.

 

Jack and Wilma and Bev and Rosemary Toryak were here yesterday.
Mom enjoys seeing everyone, especially Jack (her Golden Boy).

 

Hope this sunny Monday is shining on each of you.  vada

Hickman Girls Slept

Here goes - for "the lady" who called and asked where her Mom Update was this morning - well there is a good reason I am late this morning -- THE HICKMAN GIRL'S SLEPT LAST NIGHT - ALL NIGHT!!!

I woke up at 6 a.m. but just laid there on the couch drinking in the quiet surrounding me except for Mom's steady breathing which is music to my ears.  I woke up singing in my head, "Jesus Loves Me" and he sure does love us all.  Oh what a wonderful Savior we serve!  He is taking such good care of Mom and me and I can see him working in my life.

To those of you who have written that "I can't do this and what I am doing to my health", I must say, "you are right, "I" can't do this but together THE LORD AND i CAN!!  I ask for your uplifting prayers.

 

Yesterday, well, that is yesterday and most really needs to be put behind me except for all the good things that happened.  Bev brought me over milk and cottage cheese so I could make Mom gravy for her dinner using the milk not the cottage cheese. Do you think I am that dippy?  Hey, don't answer that!   Breakfast and lunch were kind of a bust except for the usual pudding and ice cream but for dinner I made homemade gluten free biscuits and took all the outside crust off (that's the part I like the best) and poured gravy over that and the mashed potatoes.  Mom ate all her mashed potatoes and between 1/4 to 1/2 her biscuit and gravy.  She said it really tasted good.  She had more pudding (which she loves).  Jack and Wilma came and brought more pudding.  They know what she likes. 

 

Mom went to bed between 9 and 9:30 p.m. and slept clear through till around 8 a.m.  She has been bathed and cleaned up and I used the wonderful lavendar lotion and spray that our neighbor Rosemary Toryak brought to her.  Also, talked to Rosemary yesterday about a protein drink I can get for Mom called "Boost".  I will pick up some of that since she is not eating meat.  Going to try macaroni and cheese today.

 

Looks like it must have rained last night but I was sleeping so good I did not hear it.  Have a wonderful Lord's Day and be good to each other.

 

Please continue to pray for my niece Susie, Delene Lasher, my niece Christie's sister Carol  and Janey Bragg's niece Jan who are all battling cancer at this time.  I believe in miracles !!!!

 

love to you all, vada

Well this paper is late going to press this morning.  This was our first night of no sleep at the Hickman Household.  Gave her the usual pills and she did sleep fitfully until about 12:30 a.m. and then she started yelling and talking (nothing that made sense).  Finally, did get her to quit yelling, but she carried on all night.  Thought after I bathed her and cleaned her up she would finally fall asleep, well I thought wrong.  She is still going strong.  I am the one ready for the nap. 

 

Physical therapist (female from Morgantown) came yesterday and just as I thought, Mom would not stand up for her.  She prefers the men (don't all we girls?) and will do nothing for Micah - I love that name. No matter what Micah tried no way.  She did do some leg exercises and she as amazed at how strong my Mom is.  Mom got so mad at her that she tried to pop her one, luckily I caught Mom's arm.  I know how had she can hit; I have had the bruises to prove it.  At least this girl didn't get hurt.  Next week, our therapist is to be Jeff who we haven't met yet so maybe she will work with him.  It is so strange, she won't get out of bed for the therapists but when Mom and I are alone, that's when she tries to get out of bed.  I have to watch her like a hawk which means little else gets done around here.

 

God Bless Polly Lasher.  she came to visit and brought Mom's dinner.

Polly made creamed chicken on biscuit, peas, cottage cheese and Hershey kisses.  Mom did eat a little more than I can usually get her to eat but she just isn't eating much these days.  I noticed that she really liked the gravy on the biscuit so I'm fixing her that today.  She doesn't seem to eat meat at all now.  She keeps it in her mouth and sucks on it but then spits it out.  Mom did eat her usual puddings and ice cream yesterday.

 

Please pray for Polly Lasher's eldest daughter, Delene Jurick, who is a member of Bridgeport Baptist. Her cancer has returned after 2 years and now is on the side of her stomach and liver.  Lord, we need a miracle!! 

 

Today is my brother Bill's birthday.  If living, he would be 75 today.  Wow, I remember when we were both just kids.  Where has the time gone?  Anyway, I wanted to remember him as he was one of my biggest heros. 

 

Thanks to brother Jack for his nightly phone calls, all the wonderful emails and texts, because all of these keep me going. 

 

Well, my patient is calling, not my name but now a days I answer to anything.  Have a great day.  vada

Wow, it is Friday !!!  I bet for all you paid working people you are so glad.  Notice I said paid, the rest of us poor suckers are still working but we sure miss that good old paycheck every 2 weeks and we always look forward to the first of the month and pension checks.  lol

 

Well, Wednesday I was officially declared "brain dead" due to the non-use of the lift and today I am just officially OLD.  You know that commercial of the "old lady" who has fallen and she presses the button on the chain on he neck and says, "help, I've fallen and I can't get up",

WELL, I' m now that old lady.  The home health company that I chose gives you such a unit while you are under their care and puts the system in the house.  It is amazing because the people (who are in New York) can talk to me even as far away from the unit (which is in the living room) back to the kitchen.  The idea is that if I fall with Mom I can then get help.  Usually, they put the necklace on the patient but they are afraid that she will just push the button all the time so I have to wear it.  I am now THAT OLD LADY!  If, God forbid, we would have an accident, I push the button and the lady from New York answers it and finds out what the problem is.  If I don't respond, she proceeds anyway, first calling Jack, Joni and Kramer and lastly 911 if needed.

Very good idea.  Jack and Wilma were here with us while the Social Worker hooked up this gadget.  Also, he is contacting the Senior Center to see if they can help me by taking Mom and I  in the Senior handicapped van to Dr. Waxman.  This will be much cheaper as Frank Proudfoot (social worker) says JanCare non-ambulance transport costs about $600 a trip.  Mom and I could have a lot of Starbucks for that.

 

Wilma brought Mom rhododendron in a vase yesterday.  They are sure beautiful.  Also, thanks to Bev who has been coming over nightly to help me pull Mom up in bed before she goes to sleep.

 

Mom did not eat very well yesterday.  Spit the scrambled eggs at me, but did eat pudding and ice cream (with medication crushed in it) and container of just good ole ice cream.  Did get her to drink more water yesterday.  God Bless

 

That's it on the home-front for yesterday's news.  It is now raining here and thundering.  Toni in LA would enjoy these rains.  To the rest of us, it is just another day at the farm. 

Well, it is now official -- If I had a brain it would rattle around in my empty head!!!!  Yesterday, Bev and I decided to change the sheets on Mom's bed, so we called the strong man of the family Jack to come help us get Mom from the bed to her wheelchair while we changed the sheets and added a mattress pad.  We did just like the hospital did and with Jack's strong back, my feeble mind and back and Bev's strong arms got Mom from the bed into the wheelchair.  Bev and I changed the bed.  Mom sat up for a little while and watched us.  Then the 3 of us got her back in bed by lifting on the bedsavers (love those things) and put her back in bed.  OOOPs, big problem we now had her head at the foot of the bed, so then we pulled on the bed savers to get her turned around the right way.  All this time, she just smiles at us like a trooper.  Mission accomplished !!!!  We were so proud of ourselves.  Now here is the kicker.  This morning when Bev called, she said, "I just thought of something, why didn't we use the lift???????  Very good question. That lift was sitting there to the right of the bed all that time.  I bet if it could talk, it would say, "look at those dummies, pulling their guts out and here I sit".   See you can now certify me for the funny farm!!!!  I bet the Lord was even laughing yesterday, saying, "you know I gave that Vada a brain, I wonder why she doesn't use it??"

 

Mom didn't eat much yesterday but did eat some.  Having trouble getting her to drink water and this is necessary with the urinary tract infection. 

 

The nurse and the physical therapist from Amedysis came yesterday at different times.  The nurse did an assessment and the physical therapist also did one and he also got Mom to actually stand up for him, something that was never accomplished at UTCC.  She stood for just a little bit while holding on to the therapist.  That is quite an accomplishment for her and I'm so proud of her. 

 

She actually slept well last night with the help of an Ativan.  We both got sleep last night.  I didn't jump off the couch every time she moved like the night before. 

 

Thanks to brother Jack and Bev Kramer for all the hard work and especially all the laughs they gave me yesterday.  You two are the best.

 

Well, it is going to be a hot one today, so I guess I turn the air conditioning on for the first time this season.  Seems awful early but we have to be comfortable.  Have a great day.  vada

We came home yesterday just prior to noon.  I now have one night under my belt.  It was an experience.  You should have seen me trying to change my first dirty diaper "by myself".  Hospital has 2 people do this chore.  Hey, we made it but I was sweating like it was the 4th of July.

Afterwards I sat down and laughed because I bet my mother thinks I am totally nuts.  I keep telling her she has to help me by rolling and she looks at me like, "hey, that is your problem".

 

Did get her to eat 1/2 of grilled cheese sandwich yesterday by holding it herself.  That is a feat in itself.  She ate mashed potatoes and cottage cheese for dinner along with a little pudding.  Would not hold utensils so I fed her.  I was afraid to spend to much time in the kitchen, as she kept trying to get out of bed on me and we don't need another fall.  I will get better with this with practice.

 

She yelled a lot last night and giving her the Ativan bought her about 4 to 5 hours sleep, but every time she moved I jumped (I am sleeping on the couch now).  I bet the dogs thought I was a jumping jack.  Chauncey and Maci took turns sleeping at the foot of her new bed.  Even the cat checked it out.  I tried different lights in the living room so I could see her but it wouldn't shine in her face.  Finally decided the TV was the best method.  Then, lo and behold, the electric went off sometime around 6 a.m.  I think.  I didn't bother to go look to see what time it was and was off until around 9 a.m.  I just told myself that things could be worse and her electric bed could be in the propped up position and she would be unable to sleep. 

 

Now to the big question?  Do you all still want updates?  If so, send me an email.  Otherwise, I will take it that "silence is golden" and delete your name from the mail group.  It is kind of therapeutic for me to keep a journal, so I will still be writing, just not boring you with it.

 

Even though it is rainy, remember God sends the rain to make those flowers bloom so beautiful.  Have a great day.  I love each and everyone of you.  vada

Well, the presses are going to bed early tonight on this newspaper.  I am getting up early in the morning and going to the hospital really early.

 

This morning Mom was still disoriented as she had been over the weekend.  Chastity said she ate a little of her breakfast.  The nurse came in while I was learning how to put the pad under her for the Hoyer lift and said we had to stop because they needed to straight-cath her to get a urine specimen because her urine smelled very strong today.  She did have a urinary tract infection and they were starting her on Bactrim (first pill was given after dinner).  Dr. Angotti said that if the morning labs shows that the Bactrim is working they will go ahead and discharge her home by ambulance.  He said if it is not they will cancel the discharge. 

 

I guess a urinary tract infection makes patients with dementia have further mental problems.  Now, I will be aware to watch out for this.  Wonder why none of the nursing personnel caught that this weekend?

Now I know why she was yelling since Friday.  I might get a medical degree yet.  lol

 

AllMed delivered the bed and Hoyer lift at noon and Jack and I both were there.  Bev Kramer came over and I had her lay down on the bed and put the lift pad under her by rolling her and started to raise the lift and she suddenly got sea sick, so I practiced without a dummy.  lol not that Bev is a dummy.  I really didn't mean to make Bev sick.  God bless her she is just getting over a horrible sinus infection.

 

Bless Polly Lasher she washed and hung out the sheets for Mom's new bed and came up to the house and she and I made the bed.  She is not only a great prayer warrior but we have made her part of the family.  She stayed a little while and visited with Jack and I before we had to head back to the hospital.  Wilma went to the hospital and stayed with mom while Jack and I learned about the bed and the lift.  I have the greatest family and extended family.

 

My high school friend, Nila May came to visit us tonight and brought Mom a beautiful doll baby. I  told Mom to call it Nila but Nila wanted her to call it Sally and Mom called in Manilla.  Nila has such a way with my Mom.  She even fed her her dinner tonight.  I can never thank Nila enough for what she brings out in my Mom that no one else can.  She gets her to smile and even laugh, although tonight not so much because she was in such pain both from the arm and the urinary tract infection.

 

Thanks to Barbara Beaver's Aunt Patty for the lovely card she sent Mom.  Sure glad she signed it Aunt Patty or I would not have known who it was if she just wrote Patty.  I always call her Aunt Patty.

 

Packed up most of Mom's stuff to bring home tonight.  So I think I am ready for the big move.  Please keep us in your prayers.  love you all, vada